UPSL Kicks Of Historic International Partnership with Mexican Clubs to Create UPSL MX
Mexican Clubs Break away to Play in UPSL MX starting with the 2021 Spring Season. The UPSL is the largest Pro Development League in North America.
The United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) is proud to announce that it has formed a partnership with a contingency of soccer clubs from Mexico’s Liga Premier and Liga TDP to create UPSL MX.
UPSL MX will provide a highly competitive platform for clubs seeking an alternative to the current lower-tier structure in Mexico.
Eighteen clubs have already committed, and it is anticipated that approximately 30 teams will be part of the inaugural season when it kicks off in March 2021.
“This is a historic day and partnership for the UPSL. Growing the UPSL’s footprint into Mexico is an absolute game changer,” said Luin Frazier, UPSL Chief Operating Officer.
The venture represents the first time that a league affiliated with the U.S. Soccer Federation has partnered with established clubs in Mexico to create a competitive platform.
“The UPSL currently has players, coaches and owners from all over the world.”
Leonel Lopez, UPSL Founder & President
“Expanding the UPSL’s footprint into Mexico made perfect sense, especially given the millions of Mexicans who now call America home,” said Leonel Lopez, UPSL Founder & President. “It’s also important to recognize the close ties between the U.S. and Mexico, including the co-hosting of the 2026 World Cup. Building this bridge and creating an international platform for athletes to compete in is something that we are very proud of. The clubs in Mexico are well-organized and have been playing at a high level. We are confident that the UPSL MX is going to be a success.”
The UPSL MX will operate under the umbrella of the UPSL brand, however it will be governed and managed locally in Mexico. An experienced group of executives from the member clubs, led by newly-appointed UPSL MX Commissioner Juan Serna, will operate all aspects of the business.
UPSL MX Commissioner Juan Serna said, “The UPSL is a professionally managed league with a proven track record in soccer operations, marketing and club development.
“Our partnership with the UPSL could not have come at a better time.”
Juan Serna, UPSL MX Commissioner
“Recently, there have been some changes in Mexican soccer that have led many clubs to pursue options that are more suited to their needs,” said Serna. “We are excited to partner with the UPSL on this ground-breaking partnership.”
Additionally, an annual Champions Cup will be played between the top clubs from the UPSL and UPSL MX. The inaugural event is slated to take place in 2022.
“With the development of the UPSL MX, we have knocked down borders.”
Luin Frazier, UPSL Chief Operating Officer
UPSL has created a direct bridge for competition and the growth of the sport in the U.S. and Mexico. We are extremely excited about the possibilities that this will bring our clubs and players,” said Frazier.
“What makes it even more special is that we are brothers, Mexico and the United States, and there are so many players that have played on both sides,” Serna said. “We want to see the top UPSL team from the U.S. kick off against the best UPSL MX team. We want the best playing against the best.”
The UPSL was formed in 2011 and currently includes more than 300 teams nationwide. Each UPSL team is individually owned and operated.
UPSL teams are eligible to participate in the U.S. Open Cup Qualifying Rounds through the league’s affiliation with the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA).
